30 Photos
ZipPicks Awards
Best Family Friendly Italian in Santa Monica
Best Date Night Italian in Santa Monica
Best Italian in Santa Monica
Best Outdoor Dining Italian in Santa Monica
Master Critic Review
Fritto Misto
8.4
This beloved family-owned trattoria has served generous portions of customizable pasta for over 30 years, letting diners choose their noodles and sauces for personalized combinations. The warm, welcoming atmosphere and reasonable prices make it a neighborhood institution where servers know regulars by name.
Must-Try Dishes:
Create-Your-Own Pasta Combinations, Misto Salad, Veal Marsala
Scores:
Value: 9.1
Service: 8.8
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Build-your-own pasta concept with over 20 sauce options
Who should go: Families wanting generous portions and flexibility
When to visit: Weeknight dinners for shorter waits
What to order: Atomic pasta, mushroom jalapeno ravioli, lunch special
Insider tip: The lunch special under $20 includes salad, pasta, and drink
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Small lot behind restaurant (15 spots), street parking usually available on side streets
Dress code: Come as you are - families in shorts, couples on dates, totally casual
Noise level: Family restaurant buzz - lively but can still have conversations
Weekend wait: 30-45 min Friday/Saturday after 6:30pm, no reservations taken
Weekday lunch: Immediate seating, gets busy 12-1pm with local workers
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - extensive with all pasta customizable, marinara and cream sauces
Vegan options: Yes - can make any pasta with marinara, arrabbiata, or aglio e olio
Gluten-free options: Limited - offers GF penne for $3 upcharge, same prep area
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for third date - casual vibe and family atmosphere makes it less romantic, but perfect once you're comfortable
Can I get a table without a reservation? They don't take reservations - arrive before 6pm or after 8:30pm to avoid waits, or put name in and grab a drink nearby
Is it kid-friendly? Extremely - high chairs, kids menu, crayons, and servers who are patient with customization requests
Best For
Better for: Picky eaters and large groups - the build-your-own concept means everyone gets exactly what they want
Consider Alternatives If: You want refined Italian or date night ambiance - this is comfort food in a neighborhood spot
Hours
Monday11:30am - 9pm
Tuesday11:30am - 9pm
Wednesday11:30am - 9pm
Thursday11:30am - 9pm
Friday11:30am - 9:30pm
Saturday11:30am - 9:30pm
Sunday11:30am - 9pm